5 Years After the Death of HBO Boxing, Oscar De La Hoya Pens 3-Word Message to Jim Lampley

In the electrifying realm of boxing, one name resonates through the history of sports commentary: Jim Lampley. With a voice that could make a knockout feel like a symphony and a passion that fueled the fire of countless epic bouts, Lampley’s contribution to the sweet science is nothing short of legendary.

Oscar De La Hoya, a part of the Hall of Fame class of modern fighters in 2014 saw Lampley voice his fights, and with such smoothness. The retired Olympic gold medalist remembered Lampley recently and mentioned him in his X post. Why is the promoter calling out to the anchor now?

Oscar De La Hoya raised a request to Jim Lampley

Showtime recently announced pulling away from the boxing business. Five years ago, HBO had done the same. With that, ended Lampley’s time as a commentator as well. Today, he spends most of his time as a professor at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, where he teaches Communications 490, The Evolution of Storytelling in American Electronic News Media.

De La Hoya who has witnessed Lampley’s commentary first-hand now wishes he still continued what he does best. “Jim Lampley, we need you back!” wrote the promoter on his X account.

During his tenure at HBO, Lampley had the privilege of calling legendary bouts featuring the likes of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, De La Hoya, and many other iconic boxers. His ability to convey the drama and intensity of these matches, coupled with his eloquent storytelling, endeared him to fans worldwide. Even today, there is no replacement for his distinctive voice and insightful commentary.

Both Lampley and De La Hoya have shifted from their initial streams of income to a new arena. What caused De La Hoya to take up promoting? In his new documentary, he reveals how his relationship with boxing had been a turbulent one.

Oscar De La Hoya’s complicated relationship with boxing

Once the ‘Golden Boy’ of boxing, De La Hoya is now grappling with the weight of his own history. Reflecting on his past, he confessed, “I don’t think I can say that I really loved getting hit. What kid wants to get hit in the face?” Surprising everyone, he admits that boxing was more about fulfilling his father’s dream than finding genuine passion.

Read More: Oscar De La Hoya: The Struggles Inside and Outside the Ring

In a poignant self-discovery, De La Hoya acknowledges the dichotomy of his relationship with the sport. Boxing became the crucible where he channeled his pent-up emotions, a double-edged sword that liberated him from potential darker paths yet ensnared him in the shadows of someone else’s aspirations. Through the lens of a documentary tracing his tumultuous journey, ‘The Golden Boy’, De La Hoya finds an unexpected catharsis, unearthing peace from the wreckage of a life lived in the ring.

Though it seems like De La Hoya’s favorite, Lampley has left the boxing world for good, do you think there is a chance he might surprise fans by making a reappearance? Let us know your views.

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